WhatsApp Will Let You Message People on Other Apps Soon
WhatsApp is preparing to launch third-party chat integration across Europe, marking one of the biggest changes to the platform since its early days. The update arrives as part of Meta’s compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires major messaging platforms to allow interoperability with external services. The rollout is expected “soon,” with the feature arriving in phases over the coming months.
Meta confirmed that BirdyChat and Haiket will be the first apps supported under this new system. Both services completed successful small-scale testing with WhatsApp earlier this year, allowing Meta to move forward with broader availability. Once enabled, users will be able to send text messages, images, videos, voice messages, and documents between WhatsApp and these third-party apps.
The feature won’t turn on automatically. WhatsApp users in Europe will receive a notification in the app’s settings with the option to opt in. The integration will be available on iOS and Android, but won’t extend to desktops, tablets, or the web version at launch. Users will also be able to decide whether to keep third-party chats in a separate inbox or merge them with their existing WhatsApp conversations.
Meta says end-to-end encryption (E2EE) remains in place. Any third-party service that wants to integrate must match WhatsApp’s encryption standards, ensuring messages stay protected as they move between platforms. Meta also emphasized that it cannot view the contents of those messages as they pass through its servers.
Group chats with users on other apps won’t be available at launch, though Meta plans to support the feature once partner services are ready. The company also cautioned that third-party apps may handle user data differently, something people will be reminded of during setup.
The interoperability push has been years in the making. Meta says it has worked closely with the European Commission and various messaging providers to build a system that meets DMA rules while still safeguarding user privacy. The new option is limited to users with phone numbers registered in regions covered by the DMA, and it can be turned off at any time.
More third-party integrations are expected down the line as Meta expands its compliance efforts. For now, BirdyChat and Haiket will lead the way, giving WhatsApp’s European users their first look at a more open messaging ecosystem.
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